Game of Thrones on HBO

[Coffee Warlord]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

That said, I've known lots of people who have read the books and never made that connection.

*raises his hand*

To be honest, I never cared for Renly in the books, so he's not a character I remember much of. But no, I never really made the connection - possibly because I didn't care.

[JAG]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

That said, I've known lots of people who have read the books and never made that connection.

*Raises hand*

Although it does explain a number of things...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Coffee Warlord

*raises his hand*

To be honest, I never cared for Renly in the books, so he's not a character I remember much of. But no, I never really made the connection - possibly because I didn't care.

In case you're interested: Tower of the Hand has a spoiler-heavy essay documenting it:

http://www.towerofthehand.com/essays/chrisholden/loras_and_renly_gay.html

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by JAG

*Raises hand*

Although it does explain a number of things...

Yeah, it really does. Quite a few things.

[JAG]

Dola

BTW, I read on Not a Blog that all of the books in Game of Thrones are on the NYT Bestsellers list. I checked and sure enough (softcover mass market fiction), #4, #11, #18, and #24. I thought that was fairly remarkable.

[GrantDawg]

I'm surprised people could read the books and not know that.

[Chief Rum]

Although I'm not shocked (especially by Loras), I, too, never got that connection when reading the books.

[JeeberD]

Good grief, y'all. I thought it was pretty apparent...

[lordscarlet]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

I'm surprised people could read the books and not know that.

I think the problem is that some people (me) don't pour over the words, re-read the books, or frankly, have that good of a memory. I don't soak up the little details (I read the Tower of the Hand description) and remember them as I go from book to book. I read all four books in a row the first time and I could barely remember GoT when I was two chapters into the second book.

[lordscarlet]

dola: it's also possible I did figure it out and I just don't remember it.

[Chief Rum]

I have gone up and down on this episode, because I don't know how much I liked it, with all of the extra scenes. Heck, I am trying to remember the Jaime-Ned fight, but it has been years since I read AGOT, and that happened. So toss that onto the scenes that weren't in the book, and I admit I felt lost a bit with the King's Landing scenes.

One thign I like about the Loras-Renly scene is that I think it sets up Renly's own ambitions for the crown better, and even Stannis in absentia. I always felt that they were either uninterested in the crown (Renly) or not around to claim the crown (Stannis) prior to both emerging as "kings" in the War of the Five Kings. I remember that caught me off guard while reading the books. So I like that Renly discussed his ambitions for the crown in that scene.

I liked the Varys-Littlefinger scene and the Robert-Cersei scene as stand alone character-builders, but I did not like that they essentially did absolutely nothing to move the plot forward in a story from a book that is heavy in plotting and of which we already have seen a lot of cutting out of necessity.

Loved the Aerie scenes and the fight on the path to the Vale. The air prison was suitably scary, although I always imagined the cell to be even smaller. Lysa and sweet Robert were suitable for their characters in the book.

This was doubtless my least favorite episode so far, but still not a bad one, just a reflection fo the quality of the previous ones, IMO.

I'm glad they showed the Hound-Mountain fight as they did. I really think that's an indicator they have just gone a little different path of introducing the Hound to the viewing audience, but he's still going to play his role, and that the concerns from last week might be overblown.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

Good grief, y'all. I thought it was pretty apparent...

I'm like Pumpy. I need to see dong for me to make the gay leap.

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

It's hinted at over and over again by various characters. However, because we never had a Renly or Loras perspective chapter, or actually see them in the act, it's never confirmed 100%. That said, I've known lots of people who have read the books and never made that connection.

*raises hand*

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

I think the problem is that some people (me) don't pour over the words, re-read the books, or frankly, have that good of a memory.

*raises hand*

I guess I made it half way there. I suspected both were gay, but never thought that they could be a couple. (Although, reading some of the things on the link provided, I haven't gotten to some of the hints and clues about the relationship yet.)

[terpkristin]

I never really think about the sexuality of characters in general. I mean, now that it's been fairly obviously made a point that Renly and Loras are gay, it fits in, but I don't find it particularly germane to the plot or character development.

On another note, I was glad to see the scene in the dungeon with the dragon skulls. I recently re-read the passage while going through my re-read of the books and couldn't remember who was with Varys.

The scene with Theon felt pretty out of place.
/tk

[JPhillips]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

I need to see dong for me to make the gay leap.

[Vince, Pt. II]

I'm in the "excellent episode" camp. As I discussed with my roommate, I'm a little sad that they took the implication out of the Renly/Loras relationship and made it so blatant, but it was a pretty great scene and helped the plot development an awful lot. I really enjoyed that they included some banter between Renly and Littlefinger at the joust and thought that it was quite well done. Actually, all of the banter this episode (Renly & Littlefinger at the joust, Littlefinger & Varys before the small council meeting and Tyrion & Bronn after the battle on the road to the Vale "I'm willing if she is") was very well done, I thought.

I was one of those who didn't find Gregor all that impressively large while on his horse, but watching him stalk off after the fight was averted and seeing him absolutely TOWER over everyone else was pretty awesome.

Although while I was watching it I didn't like the scene between Cersei and Robert, looking back it was very well done, and I really like it upon further consideration. Robert was simply phenomenal all episode long.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by terpkristin

I never really think about the sexuality of characters in general. I mean, now that it's been fairly obviously made a point that Renly and Loras are gay, it fits in, but I don't find it particularly germane to the plot or character development.

On another note, I was glad to see the scene in the dungeon with the dragon skulls. I recently re-read the passage while going through my re-read of the books and couldn't remember who was with Varys.

The scene with Theon felt pretty out of place.
/tk

Niether is named, and Varys is disguised as a soldier with a scar on his face. You have to guess his identity, and the person he is talking to (though the book discription makes it easy to guess). The show leaves no doubt (nor where Varys real loyalties lie).

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

Good grief, y'all. I thought it was pretty apparent...

Some of us have better gaydar

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by terpkristin

I never really think about the sexuality of characters in general. I mean, now that it's been fairly obviously made a point that Renly and Loras are gay, it fits in, but I don't find it particularly germane to the plot or character development.

Spoiler

I think someone mentioned it earlier, but it explained why Highgarden went with Renly in the rebellion and how Cersei used Loras to take one of the castles. (I forget which one, and whether it was to free a Lannister or to capture a bastard). I think it also played a part in why Highgarden took the side of the Lannisters (also with Margery's engagement to Joffory) and not to the Starks when Brienne went in the employ of Cate.

[terpkristin]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Niether is named, and Varys is disguised as a soldier with a scar on his face. You have to guess his identity, and the person he is talking to (though the book discription makes it easy to guess). The show leaves no doubt (nor where Varys real loyalties lie).

Yes I know, as I said, I recently re-read that particular passage. One I knew from the description was Varys, but I couldn't remember who he was talking to, even with the description (oddly I could remember knowing at one time). I had literally been talking with someone two weeks ago about having re-read that passage and not remembering/re-figuring out who his partner in that scene was. Seeing it on the show jogged my memory.

Originally Posted by MrBug708

spoiler

On the one hand, I agree it makes some things arguably fit "better," but I attributed all of that to Renly's success as a charismatic leader and his far-reaching influence. Given his description in the book, I don't think it's too far-fetched.

/tk

[terpkristin]

I think I need to re-watch this week's episode. I'm finding myself somewhat indifferent to it, overall, which is in stark (ha!) contrast to what a lot of others are writing about their thoughts.

I thought the episode had some high points, but by and large, I wasn't as excited about this episode as I thought I should be or as others have been. Maybe I'll sleep on the couch tonight so I can watch it again..

/tk

[Landshark44]

i didn't like the renly/littlefinger dialogue at the joust. i didn't like the varys/littlefinger dialogue in the red keep. i hated the scene with flowers and renly. the looks they gave each other at the tournament were enough for me to tell they were a couple. i don't need to see him shaving a chest.. i did like the robert/cersei scene.....episode was just ok for me....

i just finished reading the first book, i started it a couple episodes in, when i realized i couldn't wait 10 weeks to see how it ended....

[MrBug708]

What did you think of the first book?

[Landshark44]

it was great.... reading the second one now....

[Landshark44]

i loved the line by Bronn, (cant remember it in the book), when tyrion asked if the castle looked impregnable...

"give me ten good men, and some climbing spikes. i'll impregnate the bitch..."

[terpkristin]

Originally Posted by Landshark44

i loved the line by Bronn, (cant remember it in the book), when tyrion asked if the castle looked impregnable...

"give me ten good men, and a pair of climbing spikes. i'll impregnate the bitch..."

I agree, that was a good line. On another note, Bronn didn't look like I had somewhat envisioned him in my mind. I rarely think about what characters look like, but for him, I had some bald ogre looking dude in mind.

/tk

[Coffee Warlord]

Originally Posted by terpkristin

I think I need to re-watch this week's episode. I'm finding myself somewhat indifferent to it, overall, which is in stark (ha!) contrast to what a lot of others are writing about their thoughts.

I thought the episode had some high points, but by and large, I wasn't as excited about this episode as I thought I should be or as others have been. Maybe I'll sleep on the couch tonight so I can watch it again..

/tk

See, I'm actually with you on this one.

[JeeberD]

Originally Posted by terpkristin

...but for him, I had some bald ogre looking dude in mind.

/tk

See, I was the opposite. For some reason I pictured him a bit less ugly and was surprised how ugly they went in the show...

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

See, I was the opposite. For some reason I pictured him a bit less ugly and was surprised how ugly they went in the show...

Me, too. Funny how different people picture characters in their head.

[MrBug708]

I agree with Bronn not being how I pictured. I figured he looked like Dagonet from the King Arthur remake but a little uglier

[timmynausea]

The ratings went up for the 3rd week in a row.

Again! 'Game of Thrones' ratings hit season high | Inside TV | EW.com

[DaddyTorgo]

fyi

Game of Thrones | Inside TV | EW.com

Another strong response was over changing the physical relationship between Dany and Drogo, making it less consensual in the first two episodes.
DB: That first encounter between Daenerys and Drogo, originally we scripted it pretty much exactly as the book and we shot it that way for the pilot. But there was something to us, that while it worked in the book, seeing it on screen, here's a girl who is absolutely terrified of this barbarian warlord she's being married off to, it's the last thing in the world she wants, yet somehow by the end of this wedding night she seems to be in a complete joyful sexual relationship with him. It didn't entirely work for us.
DW: Also in the second episode she has to go back to the less consensual rougher relationship, which in the book works, but we just don't have that amount of time and access to the character's mind, it turns too quickly. It was something the actors themselves felt wasn't gelling, they weren't able to find an emotional hand-hold.
DB: We listen to our actors. When Emilia Clarke or Jason Momoa comes to us with something like this, we give it a lot of thought. It doesn't always mean we change it, but Emilia mentioned the wedding night and the issues she was having it meshed with issues we were having ourselves.

[Swaggs]

Between the battle/trial for Tyrion's freedom and the "crowning" at the end, a solid episode turned into a pretty epic television event thanks to its second half.

Looking forward to seeing more of the wall and the barbarian horde (the Khal Drogo stuff) storylines, as I feel like I have a pretty good idea as to where the King Robert/Lannisters/Stark storyline is probably heading.

[DaddyTorgo]

Loved Episode 6. Loved Episode 7 even more.

My one quibble would be that the I felt there maybe wasn't enough gravitas/drama in the Ned-Cersei confrontation. It didn't seem...as epic on the screen as it did in the books I guess.

But then again you've got Sean Bean who's walking around with a cane and it was apparent that he was very serious about trying to hobble around and act injured, so maybe some of the lack of gravitas was down to a conscious acting decision of that.

Hell of a couple episodes though. Wow.

Khal Drogo's speech to Dany was epic. Frigging great. I want to go watch it again.

[Vince, Pt. II]

I had been looking forward to tonight's episode for a long while, as the Drogo/Viserys scene is one of my favorites in the entire series. I thought they pulled it off pretty well, and enjoyed the episode quite a bit.

I have to say though, I completely and totally didn't understand the scene between Theon and what's-her-name riding the turnip cart. It seemed almost forced and out of place. It did a pretty good job of displaying Theon's character a bit, but seemed completely outside the flow of the episode tonight. Although I know this is going to sound crazy coming from the guy who was bemoaning the lack of his character development earlier in the season, I think they may be going overboard on Theon now. He's gotten an awful lot of face time/character development in the last few episodes.

Dinklage (Tyrion) as usual was phenomenal. I didn't really like Littlefinger's running commentary during the scene with Ned on the throne. I guess it was necessary to point out that the Tully symbol is a fish, but it just seemed...too heavy-handed, I guess, to be coming from the normally subtle Petyr Baelish.

As for DT linking the Q&A about the physical relationship between Dany and Drogo, that's the conclusion that my friends and I had come to regarding the relationship, and it makes a ton of sense. That being said, I think they may have missed the mark in the other direction a little, because the transition from terrified girl to someone who wants to embrace the lifestyle happens rather quickly.

[cschex]

Re: Theon. Though I agree on this particular scene, I think the reason that they are giving him additional scenes lies more for laying the groundwork for next season.

Episode 6 was awesome, stupid Time Warner doesnt do HBO Go so Ep 7 wont be until next Sunday

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Vince, Pt. II

I had been looking forward to tonight's episode for a long while, as the Drogo/Viserys scene is one of my favorites in the entire series. I thought they pulled it off pretty well, and enjoyed the episode quite a bit.

I have to say though, I completely and totally didn't understand the scene between Theon and what's-her-name riding the turnip cart. It seemed almost forced and out of place. It did a pretty good job of displaying Theon's character a bit, but seemed completely outside the flow of the episode tonight. Although I know this is going to sound crazy coming from the guy who was bemoaning the lack of his character development earlier in the season, I think they may be going overboard on Theon now. He's gotten an awful lot of face time/character development in the last few episodes.

Dinklage (Tyrion) as usual was phenomenal. I didn't really like Littlefinger's running commentary during the scene with Ned on the throne. I guess it was necessary to point out that the Tully symbol is a fish, but it just seemed...too heavy-handed, I guess, to be coming from the normally subtle Petyr Baelish.

As for DT linking the Q&A about the physical relationship between Dany and Drogo, that's the conclusion that my friends and I had come to regarding the relationship, and it makes a ton of sense. That being said, I think they may have missed the mark in the other direction a little, because the transition from terrified girl to someone who wants to embrace the lifestyle happens rather quickly.

The Theon scene was a bit random. Typically, they have been throwing those additional little scenes in there to help convey information about the plot, world, characters, etc. I didn't feel like we got any additional about Theon from that scene. I guess it showed, to some degree, that the winds of war are already stirring. I think they've done a good enough job at establishing Theon.

I am interested to see what Osha is like. George RR said that the actress playing the part brought something so different or extra or what not to the role that he is actually planning on incorporating into the character in the novel.

I think they've done a decent enough job with Dany. I haven't found her transformation too forced. They haven't had a lot of time with her and they don't have a lot of time in general, so something will have to be forced.

I was too thrilled with Littlefinger's constant advice either, but I think it was done to help the non-book audience follow things a bit. It felt sort of like an "aside" you'd get while watching a play or something.

Great to see Beric Dondarrion show up.

Originally Posted by cschex

Re: Theon. Though I agree on this particular scene, I think the reason that they are giving him additional scenes lies more for laying the groundwork for next season.

Episode 6 was awesome, stupid Time Warner doesnt do HBO Go so Ep 7 wont be until next Sunday

That sucks. HBO Go is great. A fantastic website. I've been watching all of True Blood on it for the most part.

I didn't watch Episode 7. I will save it for next week. No reason to rush through things and this way I have something to look forward to next Sunday night!

[Chief Rum]

I have been having computer issues, so HBO Go was a no go for me last night (I even need the computer to update the phone, so I can download the HBO Go app to my IPhone; silly). So unless I get my computer issues worked out pretty quick, I am pretty sure I'll be waiting until next Sunday as well.

I wonder, do we need to have Episode 7 stuff spoilered for a few days? Or should those of us who have not been able to catch Episode 7 on HBO Go just avoid the thread? I am fine either way.

As for Episode 6, like everyone else, I loved the Viserys scene, very well done. And while I thought he was a good pick for Khal Drogo anyway, I have to admit I think Jason Momoa has grown on me even more so in that role. He's really become more or less what I thought an on screen representation of the Khal would become.

Oh, and let me again profess my love for the actress playing Danaerys's Westeros handmaiden (I forget the character's name).

I was also bothered by Littlefinger's banter in the throne room, but I understand why they did that. I think there might have been a more subtle way of doing that, but my guess is that that scene caused a lot of consternation for the show producers.

The Theon scene was indeed a little odd to me as well, but no way on Earth am I going to mind more screen time for Roz.

I loved the way the scene went down in the Eyrie, especially Bronn's response to Lysa's comment about fighting with honor.

[Swaggs]

Can someone who has read the books spoiler (w/ tags, obviously) the significance of the eggs?

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

Can someone who has read the books spoiler (w/ tags, obviously) the significance of the eggs?

Spoiler

The eggs are not fossilized. There are real hatchling dragons inside, and they will soon hatch.

And actually, one of the things I am most looking forward to is seeing how the show producers handle the visual representation of the dragons, how they handle the effects. That's movie effects type stuff (which is costly) in an episodic show.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

I have been having computer issues, so HBO Go was a no go for me last night (I even need the computer to update the phone, so I can download the HBO Go app to my IPhone; silly). So unless I get my computer issues worked out pretty quick, I am pretty sure I'll be waiting until next Sunday as well.

I wonder, do we need to have Episode 7 stuff spoilered for a few days? Or should those of us who have not been able to catch Episode 7 on HBO Go just avoid the thread? I am fine either way.

As for Episode 6, like everyone else, I loved the Viserys scene, very well done. And while I thought he was a good pick for Khal Drogo anyway, I have to admit I think Jason Momoa has grown on me even more so in that role. He's really become more or less what I thought an on screen representation of the Khal would become.

Oh, and let me again profess my love for the actress playing Danaerys's Westeros handmaiden (I forget the character's name).

I was also bothered by Littlefinger's banter in the throne room, but I understand why they did that. I think there might have been a more subtle way of doing that, but my guess is that that scene caused a lot of consternation for the show producers.

The Theon scene was indeed a little odd to me as well, but no way on Earth am I going to mind more screen time for Roz.

I loved the way the scene went down in the Eyrie, especially Bronn's response to Lysa's comment about fighting with honor.

6 and 7 kind of blend together for me at the moment, so i sort of forget what was in one episode and what was in the other. I'll just try to avoid bringing anything up myself, that way i won't spoilerize things.

[DaddyTorgo]

[quote=Chief Rum;2474014]
Zoinks - you didn't pull any punches there hmm?

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Zoinks - you didn't pull any punches there hmm?

Heh...I suppose I did not. Do you think I should edit it back some? Most of what I said is going to become very clear by the end of the season anyway.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Heh...I suppose I did not. Do you think I should edit it back some? Most of what I said is going to become very clear by the end of the season anyway.

I dunno...you could just stop after the

Spoiler

they are not fossilized

bit and leave out the part about why they hatch. But he did ask for spoilers I suppose...

It doesn't bother ME or anything.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

I dunno...you could just stop after the

Spoiler

they are not fossilized

But he did ask for spoilers I suppose...

It doesn't bother ME or anything.

Uh... Mayhaps you want to edit your own post like I just did?

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

I dunno...you could just stop after the

Spoiler

they are not fossilized

bit and leave out the part about why they hatch. But he did ask for spoilers I suppose...

It doesn't bother ME or anything.

All right, I can do that. Hopefully Swaggs hasn't read it yet.

Edited--Done.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Uh... Mayhaps you want to edit your own post like I just did?

Yeah, what HBlue said. DT, your spoiler quote of my first post still shows my old unedited spoiler. Although if someone is going to go into quotes of spoilers to see the previous spoiled content, they REALLY don't care about knowing too much.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Yeah, what HBlue said. DT, your spoiler quote of my first post still shows my old unedited spoiler. Although if someone is going to go into quotes of spoilers to see the previous spoiled content, they REALLY don't care about knowing too much.

Haha...spoilers within spoilers!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Yeah, what HBlue said. DT, your spoiler quote of my first post still shows my old unedited spoiler. Although if someone is going to go into quotes of spoilers to see the previous spoiled content, they REALLY don't care about knowing too much.

Cheif, no you need to edit DT's post you quoted. It still contains the offending language!

This is getting quite complicated. I feel like Ned Stark in Kings Landing!

[DaddyTorgo]

LMAO